HOBBS HAPPENINGS
Two kayak tours planned
Spend an evening on Beaver Lake while paddling a one-man kayak guided by a park interpreter. You will learn the basics of paddling as we explore a calm area of Beaver Lake. Recreational kayaks, paddles and lifejackets will be provided. Space is limited. Bring a bottle of water, bug spray, flashlight and dress for the weather.
Cost: $25 Adults, $12 children (9-12).
Time: 7-10 p.m. Choose the one that fits your schedule.
June 12: Sunset kayak tour
June 17: Full moon kayak tour
Registration and prepayment required.
Free Wildflower Seminar and Photo Walk
Interested in wildflower photography using any camera available? If so, then this class may be helpful as you seek to improve the quality of your wildflower and flora photos.
Joan Reynolds from the Ozark Chapter of the Arkansas Native Plant Society will be leading the program off with a presentation and discussion on spending time in the field to learn more about native plants, including discussion of non-native plants and habitat restoration.
In the second part of the program, equipment and techniques will all be discussed to help you achieve the desired artistic vision for your photography. The class will feature nature photographer Tim Johnson from the Photographic Society of NWA as your instructor. After the indoor presentation, if the weather cooperates, we’ll use the grounds and lovely wildflower beds around the Hobbs visitor center for some hands-on practice and demonstration. Remember to bring a camera, any type will do, and a tripod if you have one. When: 5 p.m. June 22 Session Details: • Classroom Seminar and Discussion followed by Photo Walk
Cost: Free and open to the public
To learn more about the Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas, go to psnwa.org.
Insects that Suck
Of the 1.3 million known species of insects that inhabit the earth, four of the most bothersome are local residents of northwest Arkansas; ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, and bed bugs. Dr. Dayton Steelman, emeritus professor of Veterinary Entomology from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, will present his fascinating four-part program entitled, “Insects that Suck” on Sunday June 30th at the Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area visitor center.
The basic biology of ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, and bed bugs will be presented along with the disease causing pathogens and parasites that they transmit to domestic and wild animals as well as to humans. According to Steelman, “There will be updates on mosquitos and tick species now present in the continental United States plus there are also new pathogens that cause disease in man and animals relative to the ‘invasion’ of large numbers of humans and their belongings entering the United States. This will include bed bugs as they have become a major problem in urban as well as rural areas of the country.”
Steelman’s programs are a must to experience by anyone who has ever encountered any of these four blood-thirsty critters. The public is invited to enjoy one, two, or all four of these truly fascinating and informative programs.
When: Sunday, June 30, 1 p.m. “Ticks,” 2 p.m. “Chiggers” and “Mosquitoes,” 3 p.m. “Bed bugs” Cost: Free
This presentation is a continuation of the Friends of Hobbs Speaker’s Series.
Nature Painting Workshop
Whether you’ve painted in the past, or if you have never held a paint brush, this is the nature painting workshop for you. Lyshell Reann Hiatt-Blech, your instructor, comes from a family of artists. She does personal art instruction as well as group workshops for all ages.
Lyshell will inspire you, and guide you step by step as you create your own nature masterpiece. Thanks to her supportive teaching techniques, even the novice painter becomes successful.
At the end of the 2-hour workshop, you will leave with new friends, new skills, and your very own painting. Included in the price of the event is everything you will need: canvas, brushes, paint, and easel.
Check or cash accepted on day of workshop: Participants must pre-register. Minimum age is 8 years.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Cost: $30 per person
Eric Fuselier to speak on Native Plants
Do you know the important role that native plants play in the local ecosystem and what the benefits are in using native species for landscaping and in home gardens?
Perhaps you are stumped when it comes to planning your native plant garden and what you should look for when selecting which species to place in a particular location. Eric Fuselier will be at Hobbs State Park to answer your questions.
For more than a decade, Fuselier has been studying the native plants found growing wild in the Ozarks. His love of the outdoors began on the trail as an avid hiker and backpacker, but eventually he was able to put his knowledge of native plants to use in a more professional capacity while working as an environmental scientist for a local engineering firm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a professional how to utilize native plants at your home. When: Sunday, July 21 Time: 2 p.m.
Cost: Free.